Recognition for minimising use of plastic bottles and creating a wetland

The small town of Greenbushes, in the State’s South-West, has been chosen as the 2016 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities award winner for its efforts in environmental education and recognising its mining and timber milling heritage.

“Out of a population of about 600 people, more than 400 volunteered their time to contribute to some outstanding sustainability initiatives, that’s a remarkable effort.” Mr. Jacob said.

The judges remarked on the success of Greenbushes’ Water Without Waste project, which deters people from buying bottled water by providing filtered tap water in a portable tank at community events.

“The mobile water station has been a great success and has helped spread the message about the importance of reducing plastic use.” Mr. Jacob said.

Tidy Towns judges also highlighted Greenbushes’ biodiversity project, which has seen seven hectares of wetland created on a former mining site. More than 1,000 volunteer hours went in to revegetating the area and creating habitat for native species.

“Birds and a variety of mammal species have thrived at the wetland so it is a powerful example of what a community can achieve with a united vision.” Mr. Jacob said.

The judges were also impressed by the installation of two striking sculptures made out of recycled materials that were installed on the South Western Highway approaches to the town.

The categories winners were:

Young Legends – Paraburdoo

Environmental Sustainability – Port and South Hedland

Litter Prevention and Waste Management – Meekatharra

Environmental Education – Albany

Heritage and Culture – Toodyay

Community Action and Wellbeing – Wongan Hills.

Fact File

Greenbushes will represent WA at the national Tidy Towns awards in Triabunna, Tasmania in March 2017